You’re traveling with your kids through Changi Airport and you’re scratching your head trying to figure out how to keep them entertained or how to burn their energy during long travel days. I’ve been there. I know how stressful it is to have an active toddler who simply can’t sit still.
Or maybe you’re a local who wants to bring your kids on a day out at the airport. You know, for a change of scenery. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I’m sharing all the things you can do with your kids at Changi Airport. Some are paid, but most are free. Changi Airport is truly one of the best, if not THE BEST airport in the world because it has so many amazing kid-friendly places, activities and facilities.
I’ve categorised this guide by terminal, starting from Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Jewel. For each attraction, I’ll also indicate whether it’s located in the public area (landside) or the transit area (airside).
TERMINAL 1
1. Cactus Garden (T1, Air side, Level 3)
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The Cactus Garden is a rooftop garden located in the airside area of T1. It features a wide variety of cacti and desert plants. Because it’s open-air and spacious, this garden works well as a short break from the enclosed terminal space.
Just a heads-up though, the garden is unsheltered, so it gets really hot on sunny days. Also, the garden is not stroller / wheelchair accessible. There’s a small flight of stairs to climb at the entrance. You’ll need to leave your stroller or bulky luggage outside the garden.
2. Discovery Garden (T1, Air side, Level 2 & 3)
The Discovery Garden is a free, 2-storey elevated walkway which can be accessed from both Level 2 and Level 3. It is one of my favorite gardens in Changi Airport.
Formerly known as the sculptural tree garden, it features elevated walkways winding through tree-like structures covered in greenery.
The garden is stroller friendly. To make use of gravity, I recommend that you starts from Level 3 and walk down the path to Level 2.
3. Water Lily Garden (T1, Air side, Level 2)
The Water Lily Garden is a free, indoor garden with a small pond and winding walkway, featuring water lilies and lotus plants. This is a good stop for a short, slower-paced break, especially if your flight departs from Gate C, because it’s located just before Gate C.
4. Playground (T1, Air side, Level 2)
This free indoor playground has a giant bird-themed structure, with slides and a steel net bridge for kids to climb and explore. It’s a good spot for a quick energy burn while waiting to board.
Located next to Discovery Garden, this playground is close to Gate D.
5. Tropical Rainforest Vivarium aka Terrarium (T1, Air side, Level 2)
The Tropical Rainforest Vivarium is Changi Airport’s first paludarium, combining tropical plants, flowing water, and small forest stream fish. My daughter especially loves watching the colourful fish swimming in the water.
Located near the Skytrain to Terminal 2 and Gate D40, this terrarium looks like part of the wall at first glance, so it’s easy to walk past without noticing it.
6. Arrival Garden (T1, Air side, Level 2)
Located right after departure’s immigration, the Arrival Garden is a simple indoor garden with lush greenery, water features, and wide walking paths. It is designed to feel like an outdoor garden, while being in the comfort of indoor environment. My daughter especially likes to watch the fish in the aquarium (she has a thing for animals!).
7. Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi (T1, Air side, Level 3)
This rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi is located inside the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel at T1 Level 3, near D gates. It’s a unique spot where families can relax and swim while watching planes take off from the runway. It comes with free jacuzzi, towel and shower!
Practical info:
- Cost: S$25++ per adult
- Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm daily
- Note: Guests of Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel enjoy complimentary access
8. Viewing Mall & Play Area (T1 Land side, Level 3)
The Viewing Mall offers clear views of the runway, allowing children to watch planes take off and land. Because it’s located ant public area, you can visit it even if you’re not flying.
Right next to the Viewing Mall is a small play area. There’s a play structure with a small slide, as well as with coin-operated rides.
It’s an easy option if you arrive early for a flight, have some waiting time before check-in, or are visiting the airport with kids for a short outing.
TERMINAL 2
9. Sunflower Garden (T2, Air side, Level 3)
Not gonna lie, the Sunflower Garden is truly a hidden gem. It’s so hidden that many people don’t even know it exists. The garden is free, open-air, and filled with huge, colourful sunflowers, which is honestly the last thing you’d expect to find inside an airport.
Kids can walk around, spot planes from the runway views, and enjoy some fresh air, while adults will probably end up taking dozens of photos. It’s easily one of my favourite spots in Changi Airport.
10. Fit&Fun Zone (T2, Air side, Level 3)
Located next to Sunflower Garden, the Fit&Fun Zone is a free activity area designed to encourage movement through light physical challenges. It’s not a traditional playground, but rather a space where kids can climb, stretch, and stay active while waiting for their flight.
It’s split into five colourful zones, each with its own way to move and play:
- Green Zone: Relax on pendulum chairs and take a breather.
- Orange Zone: Punch soft “Spar Pods” and gentle wall petal structures.
- Pink Zone: Try strength play with pull-down levers linked to light balls.
- Yellow Zone: Bounce on music-triggering trampoline pods.
- Blue Zone: Navigate through a rope maze for a bit of agility fun.
11. Dreamscape (T2, Air side, Level 2)
Dreamscape is a free indoor garden that blends plants, water, and digital effects. You’ll walk through greenery around a central pond, with “glass floors” that make it feel like you’re walking on water while fish swim below.
Look up and you’ll see a digital sky that reflects real-time weather conditions. The digital sky also features immersive light and sound shows that plays every 15 minutes interval, throughout the day.
12. 2 Bears Hideout (T2, Air side, Level 2)
2 Bears Hideout is a free play area designed for kids aged 6 to 12. It’s themed around a bear adventure, with climbing and play elements that encourage imagination and movement.
It’s located before Gate E1, facing the runway, making it a nice spot for kids to play while watching planes outside.
13. The Wonderfall (T2, Land side, Level 2)
The Wonderfall is a free, large-scale digital waterfall located in the public departure hall of Terminal 2. You’ve probably seen it all over social media: digital water cascading down lush green walls over the departure gate.
If you’re departing from T2, you will definitely have a chance to see this before your flight. It’s located at the end of Check-in Row 6 and 7.
14. Bamboo Grove (T2, Land side, Level 1)
Bamboo Grove is a free, open-air garden located approximately 200m from Hub & Spoke Café, along the Changi Airport Connector. It’s the world’s first outdoor bamboo garden in an airport, featuring tall bamboo plants, stone paths, and quiet seating areas.
Inspired by Kyoto’s bamboo forest, this is a calm spot to slow down with kids, take a short walk, or sit and rest. To get here from Changi Airport MRT, take the escalator to Terminal 2, Level 1. Then, head to Coach Bay, follow the signs to Hub & Spoke Café, and walk 200m to Bamboo Grove.
15. Cycling (T2, Land side, Level 1)
Cycling around Changi Airport is a great way for families to explore the outdoors and burn energy. From Terminal 2, you can ride along the 3.5km Changi Airport Connector, passing the Jurassic Mile, with the option to continue towards East Coast Park. Otherwise, the round trip from T2 to Jurassic Mile and back covers about 7 kilometres.
Bicycles can be rented near Hub & Spoke Café from GoCycling, including options for children and tandem bikes. There’s also a paid shower facility at Hub & Spoke, which is handy if you want to freshen up after a longer ride.
TERMINAL 3
16. Butterfly Garden (T3, Air side, Level 2 & 3)
The Butterfly Garden is a free, 2-storey tropical garden where kids can see live butterflies flying around lush greenery, flowers, and even pineapples. There are over 1,000 butterflies from dozens of species, along with a tall waterfall and small educational corners for close-up viewing.
There are so many beautiful butterflies and plants here that it honestly feels surreal — I spent almost 30 minutes in the garden and it still didn’t feel like enough. You absolutely have to visit this place when you’re flying to, from, or through Changi Airport.
17. Movie Theatre (T3, Air side, Level 3)
The Movie Theatre is a free 50-seater cinema showing a wide range of movies, including blockbusters, dramas, action films, and some family-friendly titles. It’s a convenient place for kids (and adults) to sit down and rest during long layovers, but it’s worth checking what’s playing before settling in.
Do note that the theatre is closed for maintenance on Thursdays between 11am and 4pm, so plan around that timing if you’re transiting on a Thursday.
18. Play Areas (T3, Air side, Level 2)
There are two free play areas on Level 2 in Terminal 3’s airside, one located near Louis Vuitton and the other one near Gate A15. These are small, simple spaces where younger kids can climb and move around while waiting to board. They’re not big playgrounds, but they’re useful for a quick energy burn if you’re passing by the area.
19. The Slide@T3 (T3, Land side, Level 1 & Basement 2)
The Slide@T3 is Singapore’s tallest slide and the world’s tallest slide in an airport, standing at 12 metres (four storeys). There are two slide levels:
- Level 1 slide: Minimum height 1.3m
- Basement 2 slide: Minimum height 1.1m
Slides are free but require redemption via Changi Rewards. Present your Changi Rewards e-Card at the Terminal 3 Customer Service Counter (Basement 2) to redeem up to 10 slide rides per member per day. Covered footwear is required, No heels, sandals, skirts, shorts.
Do note that the slides close for crew meal breaks (4-5pm for Level 1 slide, and 5-6pm for Basement 2 slide) and occasional toilet breaks from time to time.
20. Climb@T3 (T3, Land side, Basement 3, Paid)
Climb@T3 is Changi Airport’s first sport climbing facility, designed to be family-friendly and accessible to climbers of different ages and abilities. There are rope-free boulder walls for younger kids and beginners, as well as taller climbing walls with multiple routes for older kids and adults.
Adventurers as young as two years old are welcome. For children aged two to three, the low boulder walls are recommended, making it a safe and enjoyable introduction to climbing.
Practical info:
- Starting price: From S$19 for unguided sessions (guided programmes cost more), and S$10 for supervising adult who’s non-climbing
- Operating hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 11am – 8pm
- Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays: 11am – 9.30pm
21. Aeroplane Playground (T3, Land side, Basement 2)
The Aeroplane Playground is a free, aviation-themed playground designed especially for younger kids. It features an aeroplane-inspired play structure where children can climb, slide, and role-play, which makes it instantly appealing to toddlers and preschoolers.
It’s located near The Slide@T3, so it’s easy to combine both stops in one visit if you’re spending time at Terminal 3.
22. Little Dino Playground (T3, Land side, Basement 2, Paid)
Little Dino Playground is a paid, dinosaur-themed indoor playground designed for younger children. It features several play zones including Dino rides, a ball pit with slides and an obstacle course, a sandpit, and a role-play area, giving kids a good mix of active and imaginative play.
It’s located near Swensen’s at Basement 2, close to The Slide @ T3 and Aeroplane Playground, so it’s easy to plan these stops together.
Practical info:
- Price: From S$18 for one adult and one child
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
TERMINAL 4
23. Chandelier Playground (T4, Air side, Level 1)
Located near Gate H, Chandelier is a 16m-tall climbable play structure where kids and adults can climb and explore. Next to it is the viral slide that where you can “slide to your gate” Both the play structure and slide are good spots for kids to burn energy before boarding, especially if they enjoy climbing rather than traditional playground equipment. Take note that these are suitable for older kids whose height are more than 1.1m.
Although the Chandelier play structure is located on Level 1, you’ll need to go to Level 2 first. Walk towards the Heritage Zone, where you’ll find the viral slide that brings you down from Level 2 to Level 1. Alternatively, from Heritage Zone, you can take the escalator or elevator down to reach the main Chandelier play structure.
Practical info:
- Safety: Empty pockets and remove loose items before playing
- Minimum height: 1.1m
- Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times
24. Heritage Zone (T4, Air side, Level 2)
Inspired by Peranakan shophouses in Singapore, the Heritage Zone features nostalgic façades and details that reflect old-world architecture and local culture. As you walk through, you’ll pass heritage-style storefronts and furnishings that give kids a visual glimpse into the past.
Every few minutes, a short film called Peranakan Love Story is projected onto the shophouse façades, which naturally catches kids’ attention. It’s a visual stop rather than an activity, and a nice place to slow down before heading to the gate.
25. Jurassic Mile (T4, Land side, Level 1)
Jurassic Mile is Singapore’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs, featuring more than 20 dinosaurs along a 1-mile stretch of the Changi Airport Connector. The tallest dinosaur stands almost 5 metres high, which always impresses kids.
The Jurassic Mile is nearer to Terminal 4. But if you want to explore the entire Changi Airport Connector trail (which is about 3.5km long), you can start from T2. The trail is suitable for both cycling and walking.
JEWEL
26. Rain Vortex (Jewel, Every Floor)
HSBC Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and one of the most iconic sights at Changi Airport. It’s a must-visit! You haven’t been to Changi Airport if you don’t visit the Rain Vortex!
You can see the Rain Vortex from every level of Jewel, including the basement, but the best views are from Level 1 and above. I recommend starting from the topmost floor (Level 6) and making your way down on foot.
If you visit during the day, you’ll get a dreamy, tropical waterfall vibe. At night, there’s a light and music show. Here’s the light & music show timings:
- Monday to Thursdays: 8pm & 9pm
- Friday to Sunday, PH & Eve of PH: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm
Jewel is located right next to Terminal 1. You can walk between T1 and Jewel in under 5 minutes. From Terminal 2 or 3, it’s about a 15-minute walk via skybridge. Do note that Jewel is a public area, so if you’re flying out and plan to explore Jewel before boarding, make sure you leave enough buffer time, as you’ll need to go through immigration afterward.
27. Shiseido Forest Valley (Jewel, Every Floor)
Shiseido Forest Valley is a massive indoor garden that surrounds the Rain Vortex. Walking through it genuinely feels like being in a forest, except it’s an indoor forest, and you can explore it at the same time you visit the Rain Vortex.
28. Canopy Park (Jewel, Level 5)
Canopy Park is a paid attraction area located on Level 5 of Jewel, with multiple play and experience zones in one place. Inside, you’ll find attractions like the Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, and Topiary Walk, offering a mix of active play and visual exploration.
The standard rate is $8 for foreigners, and $6 for residents. But, you can buy at discounted price of $5.4 if you are a Changi Rewards Member. Registration is free, but to purchase the discounted ticket, you need to go to Jewel Concierge Counter at Level 1, 2 and 5.
29. West Gateway Playground (Jewel, Level 2)
West Gateway Playground is a free, jungle-themed playground located on Level 2 of Jewel, designed specifically for children aged 2 to 5 years old. The play structures are low and manageable, making them suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.
To find the playground, simply look out for Dyson or Tim Ho Wan on Level 2 of Jewel Changi Airport. It’s an easy stop to combine with a visit to Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley
30. Changi Experience Studio (Jewel, Level 4)
Changi Experience Studio is an interactive digital experience that lets kids explore how Changi Airport works behind the scenes. Through games, simulations, and multimedia exhibits, children can learn about airport operations, aviation, and travel in a fun, hands-on way.
This is more suitable for older kids who can read, follow instructions, and engage with interactive screens. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something educational rather than physical play.
31. Kiztopia Club @ Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel, Basement 1)
Kiztopia Club @ Jewel Changi Airport is a paid indoor playground located inside Toys”R”Us at Jewel. It’s a fully sheltered, air-conditioned space designed for younger kids.
Inside, you’ll find multiple play zones, including a giant funnel slide that drops into an ocean ball pit, an interactive ball-shooting game wall, trampolines, and obstacle courses. It’s best suited for toddlers and preschoolers, especially if you want a contained space where kids can play freely while parents take a short break.
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